CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger says the relatively small size of the non-qualified-mortgage market is one of the reasons the bureau plans to change QM standards.

Congress is unlikely to increase the g-fee charged by the GSEs, though the FHFA may as part of efforts to “level the playing field” between the GSEs and the non-agency market.

Certain non-QM lenders’ underwriting tactics might not meet the CFPB’s ability-to-repay rule, according to Moody’s. It suggested tighter standards for bank statement mortgages and loans to the self-employed.

Annaly Capital Management and Ellington Financial are both generating double-digit returns from aggregating mortgages and issuing non-agency MBS. The firms plan to increase their activity in the sector.

SEC to meet MBS issuers; HPS acquires Citadel; Anworth plans non-QM MBS; Quontic streamlines non-QM refis; Ocwen takes a loss on servicing for New Residential.

The bureau’s plan to replace the QM patch could reduce the volume of mortgages that flow into the non-agency market, according to analysts. The CFPB is working to avoid disruption to GSE-eligible originations.

First Republic Bank enjoyed a record year for originations while jumbo production declined at Flagstar Bank and Axos Financial. The banks noted that competition suppressed originations.

Vista Point Mortgage received an assessment by S&P, which suggests the firm is aggregating non-QMs with plans to contribute to non-agency MBS. The firm was founded by the former president of Impac Mortgage.

After halting its main non-qualified-mortgage program due to procedural issues, Sterling Bank and Trust is planning new products with tighter underwriting standards.

FDIC eases disclosure standards for non-agency MBS; industry seeks delay in revisions to risk-retention requirements; MBA wants NCUA to follow bank regulators on non-agency appraisal standards; Maxex touts trading volume; A&D Mortgage using LoanScorecard.